Have you ever disengaged the autopilot on an Airbus by moving the control column? I have, both deliberately as part of the initial course (as everybody does) and accidentally. It does not require a large force. The control column moves, it feels like it overcomes a notch, the autopilot disengages complete with a cavalry charge warning and full, unrestricted, movement is restored. It is very difficult to confuse with a control column which will not move at all as in this case.
I don't know whether I would look at the control column in those circumstances. If the rudders were jammed, would you look at them? I agree the cc is out of peripheral vision.